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Oklahoma Capitol briefs for April 4, 2013

Oklahoma Capitol briefs for April 4, 2013.

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Published: April 4, 2013

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Capitol briefs

Bill seeks to hike OETA's government coverage

A measure that would allow Oklahoma's public television system to increase its legislative and state government coverage won unanimous approval Wednesday. A House budget subcommittee on CareerTech voted 5-0 to pass Senate Bill 429; it now goes to the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. The measure authorizes OETA to develop the Oklahoma Public Events Network to televise legislative proceedings, state agency meetings and appellate court arguments. A House fiscal analysis said OETA officials estimated the cost to set up cameras and other equipment to televise proceedings from the state Capitol would be about $600,000, with annual costs estimated to be as much as $1.8 million.

House resolution honors

life of late state trooper

The House passed a resolution Wednesday honoring the life of Oklahoma Highway Patrol Capt. Rodrick “Pete” Norwood, who died last week. About 40 troopers and Norwood's family members were in the House chamber for a 15-minute ceremony. Norwood, an 18-year patrol veteran, died Saturday. He was 42. Norwood joined the patrol in 1995; at the time of his death he served as legislative liaison. “Pete was everybody's friend,” said patrol Chief Kerry Pettingill. “Pete was what we want in a state trooper.” Norwood's funeral is set for 1 p.m. Thursday in Anadarko High School's auditorium.

CareerTech scholarship

measure advances

A legislative panel passed a bill Wednesday that would allow money from the Oklahoma's Promise college scholarship program to be used to pay tuition for students attending CareerTech. Rep. Lee Denney, House sponsor of Senate Bill 432, said the measure would create a program for students pursuing certain industry certificates through CareerTech centers. The House budget subcommittee on CareerTech voted 3-2 to pass SB 432. It now goes to the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.